Cleaning fenders - that old problem ..

longjohnsilver said:
Sorry, not able to do a link, but here’s a pic of the stuff off EBay. If you do a search there it should appear
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Thanks. I'd never heard of it before, but I've just ordered some. I have a ton of mucky fenders, 3 dirty boats and 3 dirty cars - so it should come in handy. Maybe it could also clean the inflatable tenders....I'll give it a go at least.
 
michael_w said:
Throw them away and buy blue Taylor Made fenders. Blue ones don't show the scratches and muck
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Its not so much the transfer of stain to hull - as that is unlikely now that I've applied so many different cleaners to them .. its what others say when I present them for fendering between my boat and another ...

To be honest - I prefer white as then the muck is clearly seen ... I have a blue fender and I keep that for 'other' purposes. MOB practice for example !!
 
longjohnsilver said:
I cleaned all my fenders a few days ago. I bought 25l of fleet clean traffic film remover with added wax off eBay. Cost about £25. I used a little on a wet pad, took just a few minutes, fenders are now clean and shiny. Also works well on cleaning fibreglass. The added wax really does make difference.
I reckon my 25 litres will last me a lifetime of boat and fender cleaning.
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I have the stuff now - it was delivered this morning. When cleaning the fenders, did you use it neat or diluted (1:200 or 1:50)?
 
dragoon said:
I have the stuff now - it was delivered this morning. When cleaning the fenders, did you use it neat or diluted (1:200 or 1:50)?
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2 years on... I've just ordered the same stuff for my own sorry fenders. How did you find it work, and what dilution?
 
Skylark said:
Fender socks are dirt traps and abrade the topsides in short order. Evil things :mad:




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We have First Mates home made fender socks on our ten BIG fenders. Some fender socks are four/five years old. We had the hull pro polished in 2019, it still looks lovely. No fender abrasions or rubs.

First Mate uses the stuff sold at boat shows, a bit expensive but lasts pretty well.

I do, however, keep them clean. Mud and debris is washed off as soon as it is seen.

Our boat spends all winter alongside on a river Harbourmasters pontoon. The prevailing winds press it hard against the fenders. I use a mix of fender socked and naked fenders over the winter. Fender socked fenders when cruising. Only the two big ball fenders are naked when cruising, the stretchy material wont fit. It is like trying to get a French Letter on a Donkey..........................................

No sign of any loss of polish, shine or damage for the last four years.

I shall use fender socks as in my direct experience they work.
 
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Refueler said:
Previously - Cilit Bang ... T-Cut .... Bog Cleaner ... all did wonders and removed most from the fenders - but seems this time - I'm not getting them back to decent.

I have to admit that they were hung of transom one trip and acquired some diesel exhaust staining. Too lazy to put them in the cockpit locker.

I've cleaned them so the staining doesn't transfer to hull - but I can imagine some other boat is not going to be happy with them.

I'm looking for a household product preferably - as UK Chandler stuff is not available here - that might shift the stains and get them at least half decent.

I have a new set of size 2 fenders absolutely pristine white, never used - but the old ones are 3x the size and good for use further from midships. Standard Anchor brand PVC jobbies.

??
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White spirit ?
 
Refueler said:
Previously - Cilit Bang ... T-Cut .... Bog Cleaner ... all did wonders and removed most from the fenders - but seems this time - I'm not getting them back to decent.

I have to admit that they were hung of transom one trip and acquired some diesel exhaust staining. Too lazy to put them in the cockpit locker.

I've cleaned them so the staining doesn't transfer to hull - but I can imagine some other boat is not going to be happy with them.

I'm looking for a household product preferably - as UK Chandler stuff is not available here - that might shift the stains and get them at least half decent.

I have a new set of size 2 fenders absolutely pristine white, never used - but the old ones are 3x the size and good for use further from midships. Standard Anchor brand PVC jobbies.

??
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How about oxalic acid, and washing up liquid mixed with warm water.
 
I have a feeling that antifouling thinners are essentially 'naphtha.' to which I believe you may have ready access in some quantity... ;)
Petrol would be far too dangrous to use for this application, but lighter fluid is also well known for removing stubborn marks... ;)

Diesel might work too, then use detergent to get rid of the diesel.
____
Hydrogen peroxide might help to remove the carbon elements of a sooty deposit? Can any chemists here confirm?
 
Daydream believer said:
Please do not raft against me if you have them. I have some scratches caused by grit trapped in these stupid things & I will not allow anyone to use them if next to me.
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Can you not read, mark and inwardly digest?

I maintain my fender socks, regularly inspecting and washing if required.

After an expensive pro polish in 2019, my hull on the port side which is as I write, against six fender socked fenders on our permanent berth, has a very good shine, no rubs, scuffs or dull patches. Starboard side ditto.

If you fancy our 17 tons rafted up to you, we can use your fenders.


If they are big enough to satisfy me......................................... ;)
 
rotrax said:
Can you not read, mark and inwardly digest?

I maintain my fender socks, regularly inspecting and washing if required.

After an expensive pro polish in 2019, my hull on the port side which is as I write, against six fender socked fenders on our permanent berth, has a very good shine, no rubs, scuffs or dull patches. Starboard side ditto.

If you fancy our 17 tons rafted up to you, we can use your fenders.


If they are big enough to satisfy me......................................... ;)
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It just takes a couple of bits of grit to blow off the pontoon & bed in the fabric. Perhaps just after they have been washed, to make them a menace.
I have never yet met anybody who will admit to having dirty fender socks.
But as I often have to remind people-- They are out there on a boat near you. :unsure:
 
Refueler said:
Keep it coming guys ...

Today I will try Oven Cleaner ... its actually my universal cleaner having cleaned GRP to pristine for glassing jobs .. found its the best cleaner for glass doors on home fires ... lifts most crud of hulls etc.

Will hust make sure a plentiful supply of water at hand.
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Just don't do what friends in the States did. Put them in the dishwasher and forgot to take them out before the drying cycle 😕. New door for the dishwasher 😄
 
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